Program prepares students for careers in public service, business, communications, government, and more
FARMINGTON —The University of Maine at Farmington is pleased to announce a new online Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree Program in Public Policy. The program will launch in Winter Term, December 2024, in a flexible, asynchronous online format that accommodates individual’s schedules. It will also be available to on-campus students through a combination of online and in-person classes.
A public policy degree prepares students to analyze policy problems and develop, evaluate and implement solutions at the local, state and federal levels. It prepares individuals interested in entering or advancing careers in public service, business, communications, government and more.
“UMF’s new online public policy program was created for today’s students to open a variety of career paths in the public and private sector. State and local municipalities seek employees with a public policy background as well as many private sector jobs that work with governments. Well-informed public policy professionals have a huge impact on businesses, local and state government and inspire positive change in a community,” said Joseph McDonnell, UMF president.
Students will work with expert faculty in core courses on public policy, policy analysis and statistical methods. They will then branch out into areas directly connected to their policy interests ranging from globalization, health care, education, gender and development, human rights, climate change, environmental policy in general and beyond.
“A Public Policy program emphasizes problem solving skills, which are valuable in multiple fields. Problem solving includes the ability to logically analyze a number of variables with a creative approach to considering alternatives and taking into account a variety of interests and goals,” said Scott Erb, professor of political science and program chair.
In addition to appealing to undergraduate students, degree completion and post-degree students, UMF is eager to partner with the Maine Municipal Association to offer the program to local government employees and elected municipal officials throughout Maine who are interested in enhancing their knowledge on policymaking and advancing their careers.
“MMA is pleased to be a part of this endeavor to expand access to studies in public policy,” said Peter Osborne, MMA’s director of educational services. “As employee recruitment and retention challenges continue to plague the public sector, it is vital that we work collaboratively with a variety of partners to demonstrate that local governments have room for all. Regardless of an individual’s expertise, be it accounting, public health, or public safety, there is a role for those interested in service to community.”
UMF will provide a 10 percent discounted tuition rate of $275.40 per credit hour (2024-25 academic year) to all eligible members of MMA seeking any UMF credential in the Public Policy program. To be eligible for the benefit, applicants must verify employment or status as an elected official with an MMA member municipality. Students will be responsible for all mandatory university-wide fees and course specific fees. This discount applies only to UMF classes and not to sister institutions of the University of Maine System.
In addition to connecting with disciplines throughout the Farmington campus, some courses taught online at other University of Maine System schools may connect well with the program, especially concerning local government and public administration.
To apply or for more information contact the UMF Admissions office at [email protected] or 207-778-7050. You can also visit the UMF website at https://www.umf.maine.edu/academics/programs/public-policy/.
